Louisiana Flood Recovery Continues with $8.7 Million in FEMA Assistance

Release Date Release Number
NR-142
Release Date:
March 27, 2017

BATON ROUGE, La. — More than $8.7 million has been obligated to the state for building repairs and reimbursements for emergency protective measures following the August floods.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services and the State of Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals will receive reimbursements for emergency protective measures associated with the disaster. In addition, funding was awarded to the State’s Office of Risk Management for repairs of flood-related damage to the Governor's Mansion.

FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program will pay for emergency services such as shelter operations, temporary facilities, food, emergency transportation services, supplies and rescue efforts in affected parishes. Funding will also pay for protective measures, building repairs and remediation.

As of March 23, FEMA’s PA program has obligated over $317 million to reimburse local and state governments as well as certain private nonprofits for the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities and infrastructure. The funds also cover debris removal and emergency response activities in designated parishes.

In general, FEMA’s PA program helps to repair or replace critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, public buildings and schools. The program encourages protection of damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for certain hazard mitigation measures. Although FEMA obligates funding for these projects, it is the state’s responsibility to ensure the eligible sub-recipients receive the awarded amount. 

PA offers supplemental financial assistance on a cost-sharing basis. FEMA typically reimburses 75 percent of eligible PA expenses. However, FEMA will reimburse applicants 90 percent of eligible PA expenses given the magnitude of the August floods.

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